Tourism is a growing sector in Saudi Arabia. Between 2000 and 2010, total tourist trips, domestic and inbound, in the Kingdom grew from 20.8 to 33.6 million, and are estimated to grow to 83 million by 2020. Similarly, between 2000 and 2010, tourist expenditure increased from USD 9.3 billion to USD 16 billion, and could more than double by 2020 to USD 60 billion Vacation, for example to the Kingdom’s many cities and natural landscapes, accounts for 27% of all local trips, while visiting relatives (25%) and religion (19%) are also common reasons for local travel. In comparison, 45% of international tourists come for religious reasons, notably to visit Mecca and Medina, while 25% come for business. Opportunity: To accommodate increasing tourist demand, investment is needed to build roughly 81,000 new furnished apartments between 2010 and 2020, bringing the total number of units to 186,000. Current cost per unit is estimated to be USD 160,000. To develop the required number of new units, real estate developers and other investors would have an opportunity to invest roughly USD 13 billion between 2011 and 2020 in this subsector of the tourism market.

Tourism is a growing sector in Saudi Arabia. Between 2000 and 2010, total tourist trips, domestic and inbound, in the Kingdom grew from 20.8 to 33.6 million, and are estimated to grow to 83 million by 2020. Similarly, between 2000 and 2010, tourist expenditure increased from USD 9.3 billion to USD 16 billion, and could more than double by 2020 to USD 60 billion Vacation, for example to the Kingdom’s many cities and natural landscapes, accounts for 27% of all local trips, while visiting relatives (25%) and religion (19%) are also common reasons for local travel. In comparison, 45% of international tourists come for religious reasons, notably to visit Mecca and Medina, while 25% come for business. Opportunity: To meet growing demand, real estate developers and hotel operators have an opportunity to build 82,000 new hotel rooms between 2010 and 2020, bringing the total number of units on the market to 187,000. Current cost per unit is estimated to be SAR 252,000, and an estimated total investment of ~USD 11.5 billion is needed in these years to build the required number of new hotel rooms.

Tourism is a growing sector in Saudi Arabia. Between 2000 and 2010, total tourist trips, domestic and inbound, in the Kingdom grew from 20.8 to 33.6 million, and are estimated to grow to 83 million by 2020. Similarly, between 2000 and 2010, tourist expenditure increased from USD 9.3 billion to USD 16 billion, and could more than double by 2020 to USD 60 billion. Vacation, for example to the Kingdom’s many cities and natural landscapes, accounts for 27% of all local trips, while visiting relatives (25%) and religion (19%) are also common reasons for local travel. In comparison, 45% of international tourists come for religious reasons, notably to visit Mecca and Medina, while 25% come for business. Opportunity: As tourism expands, demand is increasing for visitor facilities such as theme parks, gardens, parks, and nature overlooks. Currently, SCTA and MoMRA are investing roughly USD 1.3 million annually to spur the development of these facilities, for example by improving roads, car parks, and other tourist infrastructure at these sites. To build on this public investment and take advantage of opportunities to construct and operate these facilities, the private sector can invest an estimated USD 2.6 million annually over the next five years in these facilities as well.

While there will always be customers who have decreased attention, are in a hurry, or appear to be frazzled, you want to still aim to deliver strong customer care despite customer scenarios. One way to do this is to treat customers as if they are guests in your home.”
Kirt Manecke, customer service expert ....Read More